Kingdom Come

King

The White Palace was rightfully named. The walls of the castle were of marble stones and the mortar between each brick was laced with jeweled white stones, which shone brightly in the sunlight. Opals, sunstones, moonstones, white star sapphires, and jade were just some of the precious gems used to adorne the palace walls.  Argoleth is the second largest of the Five Kingdoms but the richest by far as its capital city, Agernon, is the largest and most important trading post, not only in the Five Kingdoms, but in all the surrounding kingdoms as well. Agernon quickly became known as the Center of the World; no other city had so many travelers each year. People traveled from around the world to see this magnificent city and to trade goods with many other countries they would otherwise never hear of. The White Palace in all its splendor sat on the lush green hills near the bay of Agernon. The White Palace served as a beacon of hope for the caravans  journeying by land and a lighthouse for the many sailors coming from across the sea. 

The Kingdom of Argoleth had been at peace since the Great War when humanity won back their freedom. The Kings of Argoleth were known for being just and fair, often choosing to show mercy when possible instead of ruling with a firm and cruel hand. The late King Zephyr had died only recently, leaving his son, Zathrian, to rule in his place. Although the Five Kingdoms were largely at peace with each other, the alliance between Argoleth and her larger sister, Zarapline, had been made stronger through the betrothal of Argoleth's Prince, Zathrian, and Zarapline's Princess, Rivenna, when she was only hours old.  

Zathrian, like his father's before him, was known to be just yet merciful, even before the crown was laid upon his head. All knew he would maintain the peace within the Kingdom, and even in the early days of his reign, this appeared to be true. However, the appearance of joy and tranquility that surrounded the outside Palace did not mirror the present atmosphere within the castle walls. 

                                                                                       *****

Two scouts had just returned to give their report to the King but not before receiving pitied glances from a few of the palace maids as they entered. The pity was justified; the report had not gone well. A goblet crashed against the wall, knocking down a flower pot, and spilling its sweet contents as well as that of the vase on the rug below. Shouts filled the hall as a fresh wave of anger had the young cupbearer quivering where he stood. "What do you mean there is no sign of her? Is everyone in the Kingdoms blind and deaf so that they cannot find a trace of the princess?" The servants were at a loss; their master had always been a temperate man, but his vexation had been relentless as of late. Although, the majority of the servants would agree that his anger was not without cause, they still became far more careful while in the presence of their King. "Keep searching for her. GET OUT!" The two scouts bowed hurriedly and left, nearly running out of the royal study as the King hurled curses and dishware after them.

"Two months! Two months with no word nor sighting in any of the Kingdoms!" The still new King bellowed and slammed his heavy fist into the table. "She was in the center of the garden, in the middle of the day, with guards on every side. She could not have just disappeared! WHERE IS SHE?" The King's eyes shot daggers at the shamed Captain.

"I know not, Sire. However, I-" 

"Thank you, Captain Martius. That will be all. I suggest you rest some and send some new scouts to continue the search. I will speak to my son." The Queen Mother rose from her seat and gave the soldier a gentle smile. Martius bowed to the Queen Mother then took his leave when the King gave a nod of dismissal. Once they were alone, the Queen Mother, Lysandra, took a seat and beckoned for son to sit beside her. When he was finally by her side, she placed her hand on his arm, "Zathrian, listen to me. I know that you are upset and worried for Rivenna, but you must not take it out on the servants or guards. Everyone is in distress over the disappearance of the Princess and there are people in each of the kingdoms looking for her." She raised her withering hand to her son's bearded chin and turned his face toward her. "All will be well. Have faith, my son." Lysandra placed a mother's kiss on Zathrian's head in comfort; he then took her small hand in his large one and kissed it.